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| '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}
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| {{EH}}
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| ==Overview of Pathophysiology & Etiology==
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| Pericarditis is inflammation of the [[pericardium]], the double-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels. There can be an accompanying accumulation of fluid that can be either [[serous]] (free flowing fluid) or fibrinous (an [[exudate]], which is a thick fluid composed of proteins, [[fibrin]] strands, inflammatory cells, cell breakdown products, and sometimes [[bacteria]]). Vascular congestion of the [[pericardium]] is also present. The underlying [[myocardium]] may or may not be inflammed as well. If the myocardium is involved in the [[inflammatory process]], then this is called myopericarditis, and the [[CK]] and [[troponin]] may be elevated.
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| The signs and symptoms of acute pericarditis can be misleading because they can occur as part of a constellation of symptoms associated with another illness.
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| ==References==
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| {{reflist|2}}
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| [[Category: Cardiology]]
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| {{WH}}
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| {{WS}}
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